Big bugs invade Levis Commons for fun filled October

BY MATT THOMPSONBLADE STAFF WRITER

David Rogers, second from left, is the artist from Long Island who created the Big Bugs exhibit installed at Levis Commons. Paul Garland is on the left, John Endicott is second from right, and Ryan Nachtrab is far right. THE BLADE/MATT THOMPSONEnlarge
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Twelve-foot tall insects infected Levis Commons on Monday, all done by artist David Rogers to go along with October programs at the outdoor shopping center.

Mr. Rogers instructed a few helpers who put in the eight legs of the daddy-long legs spider as he held the base.

It is part of a Big Bugs exhibit being installed at Levis Commons in Perrysburg. There will a kick-off event even for the exhibit from 2 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, which will also have family activities. In all, the exhibits are three ants, daddy long legs, a dragon fly, praying mantis, damsel fly, and spider in its web.

Mr. Rogers uses mostly wood and branches for his sculptures. They will be on display through October.

"The installation is the most fun now, seeing the influx of workers and shoppers here saying what are you guys doing, the wow factor," he said. "One of my favorite parts is, after it is done, I go around the exhibits anonymously and hear the different conversations people are having about it."

The Long Island, N.Y., sculptor has taken his traveling exhibits around the country since 1994. He has been to 40 states, including making an installation in Kentucky last week. He is to go to Washington's National Arboretum in mid-October to dismantle an exhibit which has flowers, butterflies, and more pollination exhibits. He also has exhibits in the Chicago Botanical Gardens and Disney World’s Epcot Center.

Levis Commons in Perrysburg is the first time he's setting it up in an outdoor-mall environment. Mr. Rogers said he usually just has his exhibits in botanical gardens and museums.

Levis Commons will have a fall concert series every Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m., with hayrides at the same time. Rides are $1.

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